A Markov cost-effectiveness modeling framework for evaluating wound dressings: A concept for practical implementation of economic evaluations in an informed dressing selection process

Aims: Exemplify the potential of using health economy modeling and simulations to support and optimize wound dressing purchasing decisions. Materials and methods: We developed a Markov cost-effectiveness modeling framework fusing clinical and industry sources of healing and cost outcomes for evaluating dressings, focusing on polymeric membrane dressings compared to passive foam dressings without active inflammation modulation components. We calculated the wound care costs for patients with and without diabetes, as well as for infected and non-infected wounds, to illustrate the effectiveness of this model in supporting decision-making. Results: The model results demonstrated that polymeric membrane dressings reduce the cumulative treatment costs compared to passive foam dressings, due to fewer dressing changes and lower associated labor costs, regardless of the initial product price differences. Conclusion: Cost-effectiveness calculations should be performed in healthcare facilities to support purchasing decisions based on true cost analyses. Making purchasing decisions focusing on the dressing price alone may provide wrong estimates of the real cost differences.